IT IS the busiest time of the year for Santa but the festive star has found time in his schedule for the annual tour of Blackburn.

He will be dashing round the area in his red and gold sleigh collecting money for the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Magic Eye Appeal.

Santa and his helpers will be spreading music and festive cheer as part of the Blackburn 83 Round Table fundraising.

Clive Duguid, float organiser for the Blackburn Round Table, said: "Blackburn Round table is pleased to make our contribution to the ongoing success of the appeal as the appeal raises further funds for additional equipment and services for patients locally."

And the tremendous response form children and adults alike encourages the sleigh to return year on year.

The tour will take in Pleckgate tonight, Brownhill on Friday before winding towards Beechwood on Saturday.

The team set off midweek at 6.30pm and late afternoon at weekends.